title: DNA protective effect of ginseng and the antagonistic effect of Chinese turnip: a preliminary study.
abstract: The genoprotective effect of American and Asian ginseng on human lymphocytic DNA was studied. Using the comet assay, aqueous extracts of both types of ginseng were shown to diminish hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage. In contrast, and in accordance with traditional Chinese medicine beliefs, addition of the juice from Chinese turnip counteracted the beneficial effect of ginseng. Results showed that incubating ginseng along with turnip juice abolished the DNA protective effect of both American and Asian ginseng. Although the exact mechanism has not been elucidated, the counteracting effect of turnip on ginseng seems unlikely to be mediated by enzymatic action as the effect was seen with boiled as well as unboiled turnip extract.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Science, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Shatin), 21 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong. savio.yim.tong.szeto@inet.polyu.edu.hk
authors.forename: Yim Tong
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Szeto
authors.forename: Julia Wai Ming
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Shirley Ching Yee
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Sok Cheon
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pak
authors.forename: Iris F F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Benzie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D029688:Brassica napus; D020552:Comet Assay; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000502:physiology; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D005894:Panax; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; D020011:Protective Agents; D004247:DNA